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"Williams"-style binding channel router jig

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:29 am
by tim mullin
Hello all:
As my first contribution to the forum, I thought I would share my rendition of the "'D.E. Williams" binding channel router jig. It's got to be my favourite non-commercial tool in the shop.

I pretty much followed the instructions given on Williams' web site: http://www.dewguitars.com/BindingJig/Binding%20Jig.htm . Perhaps the hardest part to source is the UHMW plastic "donut" -- I used UHMW bought from Lee Valley Tools on a visit to Canada, and the machining was done on my drill press and router table.

I like the jig, because the guitar remains stationary and I guide the router with my hands -- seems more natural than the other way around, and I feel I have absolute control while ensuring that the router is always dead vertical.

There are two parts, the carriage, and the articulated, telescoping swing arm that holds the router. The carriage is clamped to my bench when I need it, and the arm is screwed to an indexed position on the bench top ...

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The guitar is secured in the carriage with the soundboard level (ensures on my guitars that the sides are vertical). The arm reaches all edges to be cut.
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The router rides on the UHMW "donut" so that it is not affected by curvature.
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Also makes routing of headstock binding channels easy -- you can always see what you're doing ...
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The only "con" to the jig, is that it takes up considerable space for storage when not in use, but I think that's a minor point.

Hope that helps someone!

Tim

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 7:10 am
by Nick
Welcome to the forum Tim, good to see another "Kai Wai" joining the forum. Good first up post too, pictures, information what more could we ask :lol: :lol: Looking forward to your comments & contributions to this little corner of the Luthiery planet 8)
Nice binding jig, I can see what you are saying about the 'con' tho! it does tend to take up space but looks like it cuts nice and square which, after all, is the main aim of a binding jig.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:05 am
by tim mullin
My "Fox"-style bender and forms also take up a lot of space -- more than the binding jig -- but I'm glad I've got it. Both collect dust on top of a tall cabinet when not in use, so they don't really get in the way.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 3:28 pm
by Localele
Hi Tim,and welcome. Just whack a shelf up high on the wall and stick this and other useful things on top.You can never have too many shelves.Looks like a good jig to keep around so I suppose I will have to steal your idea.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 5:09 pm
by Allen
Welcome to the forum Tim. And great first post. Look forward to more of them.

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:44 pm
by Kim
Welcome the ANZLF Tim,

Good to have yet another active member on board, looking forward to your input.

Cheers

Kim

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 2:31 pm
by Bob Gleason
[img]http:www.pegasusguitars.com/Router.jpg[/img]
Having never posted in your forum, I'll see if I have figured out how to post an image and then do another post if it works. If it doesn't, oh well!

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 5:35 pm
by Allen
I've changed the permissions to allow you to post a picture Bob. You should be good to go now.

Welcome to the forum.

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 12:20 pm
by Bob Gleason
Allen- Sorry I did not follow through on the post. Over the last few weeks I've only had a few hours when my connectivity worked. I'm working on it. I'll be back! Thanks, Bob G.

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2009 10:11 pm
by Hesh1956
Welcome Tim and Bob!

Tim I use the exact same jig and love it. You're right it takes up some space but that can be easily remedied by simply moving to a new shop with a house that comes with it... :D

My Williams jig was made by Don himself and he also signed it for me. :)

Not that I would try this but it's been said that one can route a guitar blindfolded with this jig its so very easy to use.

Welcome aboard guys.

Posted: Thu Oct 08, 2009 6:19 am
by Nick
Hesh1956 wrote:Not that I would try this but it's been said that one can route a guitar blindfolded with this jig its so very easy to use.
Might make for an interesting binding channel! It's my fingers/hands I'd be more worried about using this 'blindfold' technique :shock:

Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:03 pm
by Localele
What brand is that router bit Tim ? It seems to have a long screw for the bearing or has it been modified? Thanks for posting this as it prompted me to get one built as well.

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Posted: Thu Oct 15, 2009 5:28 pm
by Allen
It looks to be the LMI bit and bearing set Micheal. Same one that I have.

I think it's probably the best for doing ledges on guitars, because you don't have to think about which ledge you're going to cut first, the one for the purfling, or the binding.

With the short cutter like Stew Mac sells, you pretty well have to do the purfling first then the binding channel, or you don't have a spot on the side to reference off of.

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 6:02 am
by tim mullin
Yes, the bit pictured on my jig is from LMII.

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 8:34 am
by Hesh1956
Allen M8 Stew-Mac has fixed their binding router bit set so that it no longer matters if you do the purfling channel first or not. They added a simple brass spacer that prevents the business end of the bit from falling into the binding channel if you cut the top purfling channel first.

I have both bits mostly because my Stew-Mac one started getting dull and I am too lazy to sharpen it. I do like the LMI set better with more bearing choices in the standard package - but we do pay for that too....

Posted: Sat Oct 17, 2009 5:24 pm
by Allen
Yah, Micheal told me that it's been updated. I've had my LMI one for about 3 years now, so forgot what I paid for it, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't cheap. I just got the standard bearing set, and really haven't seen any need to go out and purchase the other set offered.

Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:41 am
by Localele
started getting dull and I am too lazy to sharpen it
How do you get any work done Hesh if you can't spend 30 secs. rubbing a router bit on a diamond plate.
The jig works great and makes a tedious job easy.

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Binding channels cut

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Silver ash binding installed